Prosthetic rehabilitation using extra coronal attachments

Abstract

A unique concern of a removable denture when compared to other prosthesis is retention. The component of removable denture which provides retention is called as direct retainer. A direct retainer can be either an extracoronal or intracoronal retainer . One of the main drawbacks of extracoronal retainers used in partial dentures is visibility. Many patients find themselves in an aesthetically compromised state when these retainers are placed on teeth in visible area. The solution for this problem is using a Precision attachment. This assembly provides better vertical support and better stimulation to the underlying tissue through intermittent vertical massage. Although the history of intracoronal retainers goes back to 5th and 4th centuries BC, technically more sound developments began in early 20th century AD. Since then precision attachments are playing an important role in removable and fixed partial denture, conventional and implant supported overdentures . In this case, an extra coronal attachment is chosen as fixed prosthesis was not possible to use everywhere and patient desired a prosthesis which had function and stability similar to fixed prosthesis. In this type of attachment, crown is made with the projecting attachment and a corresponding fitting or housing is incorporated in the removable prosthesis as a result there is a certain amount of movement between the two sections of the prosthesis that acts as a non-rigid stress breaker and helps in distributing the occlusal load without breaking the prosthesis.